314 THE FEENCH BLOOD IN AMEEICA 



General Viele, ' ' will pass into history as one of the most 

 successful achievements of the kind, as it marked an era 

 in naval warfare. It was the first time that the powerful 

 auxiliary of steam was brought to play such a decided 

 part in war operations. . . . Du Pont had planned 

 the attack with the utmost precision. Every vessel had 

 its designated place. The fleet sailed in the form of an 

 ellipse, each ship to deliver its fire at each fort as it passed 

 abreast. Three times this circle of death passed in its 

 relentless course. For four hours the terrible duel was 

 maintained, and then after a well directed broadside from 

 the Wabash, all was over. . . . Such utter destruc- 

 tion probably never overtook a fortification." 



In a private letter, dated on board the flagship ^Vabash, 

 Port Eoyal, November 9, 1861, Admiral Du Pont wrote : 

 '' During the disheartening events of our passage my 

 faith never gave way ; but at some moments it seemed 

 appalling (referring to a severe storm that scattered the 

 fleet and wrecked a number of vessels). On the other 

 hand, I permit no elation at our success. Yet I cannot 

 refrain from telling you that it has been more complete 

 and brilliant than I ever could have believed. . . . 

 I kept under way and made three turns, though I passed 

 five times between the forts. I could get none of my big 

 frigates up. I believe my plan was clever. I stood 

 against the side, and had the management the better in 

 consequence. The confidence of the enemy was extreme 

 that they could drive us away. They fought bravely, 

 and their rifle guns never missed. They aimed at one 

 bridge, where they knew they could make a hole if they 

 were lucky. A shot in the centre let water into the after 

 magazine ; but I saved a hundred lives by keeping under 

 way and bearing in close. I never conceived such a fire 

 as that of this ship on her ^second turn, and I am told that 

 its effect upon the spectators outside of her was intense. 

 I leam that when they saw our flag flying on shore the 

 troops were powerless to cheer, but wept." 



